10 Best Calibers for Deer Hunting (Updated: 2019)

[JEBar]

I really can't fault any of the 10 listed because all of the calibers listed ===> https://gunnewsdaily.com/best-caliber-for-deer-hunting/ ..... each of them will most certainly put deer on the ground .... in my book, 9 of the 10 are classic hunters .... each of those 9 has a large following .... if I was making out the list, I wouldn't have included the 25-06 .... rather, I'd have picked a big bore like a 44 Mag .... Comments

[Vaquero]

JEB, I would agree with most, and Loved that the 35 Rem., was his #2, and said it was the Best cal. for hunting deer.
But he didn't mention the 444.
And I'm not crazy about the 243 but it does work, kinda similar to the one you mentioned.

RP

[JEBar]

realizing its not even a tiny bit scientific, I also question two 7MM's .... I only know one fellow who hunted with a 7 Mag .... I loaded his ammo for him, he bought the dies and supplies .... they must have a much larger following than there is among the shooters I know

[Shakey Jake]

I really can't fault any of the 10 listed because all of the calibers listed ===> https://gunnewsdaily.com/best-caliber-for-deer-hunting/ ..... each of them will most certainly put deer on the ground .... in my book, 9 of the 10 are classic hunters .... each of those 9 has a large following .... if I was making out the list, I wouldn't have included the 25-06 .... rather, I'd have picked a big bore like a 44 Mag .... Comments

I haven't read the article yet but have taken quite a few with my 25-06. I had only one I had to track and that one was less than 40 yards or so through some pretty thick brush.

[JEBar]

understood .... all 10 are very capable calibers and "Best" is most certainly a subjective term .... hopefully down the line I will have the opportunity to see yours in action

[GunnyGene]

Everybody gets to pick their own. This kind of "Best of" list is nothing more than irritating and irrelevant clickbait.

[RanchRoper]

Just sayin'...

[Rifletom]

I'm with Jake on this; the 25-06 was my go to cartridge when pronghorn hunting here out West. The 30-06 or .270 Win have been the two I've used more than all others combined on elk and deer. But, alas, I no longer hunt, so, traded or gave away all but one 30-06: My Ruger No.1B. I t stays. Now, I just chase empty can dirt clods or steel gongs with the levers.
With an occasional upland bird hunt in the mix.

[JEBar]

Just sayin'...

yep, like I said, I'd like to see a caliber that would make larger holes on the list

[Vaquero]

What's going to be larger than the 45 Calibers.
The 50BMG ain't much of a hunting round, not that it ain't capable.
Just Overkill, besides what are you hunting.
My 444's will take anything in this country, as will that obsolete cal. 45-70.
Heck I have a friend in South Africa that hunts with...........................................................................................................
a Marlin 30-30, of course he has others but a lot, and I do mean a lot of what he hunts, he hunts with a 170 gr bullet in a 30-30.

RP

[JEBar]

the 45's out there are fine calibers .... as are the 44's .... just curious , what types of African game does he hunt with a 30-30

[Vaquero]

Jeb, not sure of what all, but I know of Eland, Kudu, Blesbok, Impala, and Cape Buffalo.
He goes by Sambane over at Marlin Owners.
Check out his profile, he has several pics.
Nice guy meet him back in April of '17, at a gathering we had in Texas.

RP

[JEBar]

Jeb, not sure of what all, but I know of Eland, Kudu, Blesbok, Impala, and Cape Buffalo.

RP

Africa has an incredible range of wildlife .... it most certainly doesn't require an "Elephant Gun" to take down many, if not most, of them .... hunting Cape Buffalo with a 30-30 is truly impressive .... I sure wouldn't be comfortable doing that

[Vaquero]

JEB,I could be wrong about the Buffalo, I will ask next time I see him on the forum.

RP

[JEBar]

not a problem, I've enjoyed thinking about it .... doing so is as close as I'll ever come actually doing so ..

[BigAl52]

Agree with Gunny clickbait. One thing about RR in his gun cabinet he doesnt worry about what caliber to grab or use.

[JEBar]

Agree with Gunny clickbait. One thing about RR in his gun cabinet he doesnt worry about what caliber to grab or use.

yep, he sure doesn't ....

[Vaquero]

not a problem, I've enjoyed thinking about it .... doing so is as close as I'll ever come actually doing so ..

JEB, I pm'd him and got one heck of a list.
My, it is quite impressive and I was wrong on the buf.
I am not at home, but once I am I will copy and paste it.
Will tell you he did kill to Leopards, one crocodile a giraffe, and like you will see quite an array of others.
But just think about those Elands, they are huge averaging around 2000 lbs., but he said he had to.
So I am sure their were probably some kind of situation.
Same thing with the giraffe, but still impressive to me.
I'll be home this evening and I will post it, it is near unbelievable.
He used to some guiding also, so that's probably where the two had to's came in.
And only the 170 gr ammo.

RP

[TMB]

realizing its not even a tiny bit scientific, I also question two 7MM's .... I only know one fellow who hunted with a 7 Mag .... I loaded his ammo for him, he bought the dies and supplies .... they must have a much larger following than there is among the shooters I know

I agree with Gunny most will hunt with what they are comfortable. I use my BBB .45 Colt to hunt mostly. I also carry a 7mm rem mag.

[GunnyGene]

Y'all that agree with my take on this, don't get me wrong. These kind of lists can be marginally helpful to narrow the field for someone who is brand new to firearms, ballistics, and hunting generally. Folks who are already hunters and gun owners not so much. Usually we just have friendly arguments with other hunters/owners over the details of various firearm systems and ammo - my gun shoots better groups than yours; my ammo is faster, penetrates deeper, drops a bigger load, etc, etc. Hand loaders are especially picky about this.